By Ingram Osigwe

Friends and associates of Mallinson Ukatu, a business mogul, have been commiserating with him over the death of his father, Chief James Okoye Ukatu.

Aged 101, during his lifetime, Ukatu was a devout Christian, a businessman, philanthropist, and a traditional ruler. The Late centurion, holds the title; Ezeofor VII of Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State. He died peacefully in early December.

Born in 1918, the late Ukatu had his early education in Onitsha before venturing into business.

The late monarch was one of the pioneer business tycoons in Alor. A philanthropist per excellence, Ukatu, during his lifetime, sponsored numerous professionals and raised over 100 entrepreneurs in diverse business fields.

He was on the throne of his forefathers for 20 years before his demise. Many in Alor testify that  Chief Ukatu’s reign brought peace, stability and progress to the town. He would be remembered as a jovial and cheerful leader who never discriminated against anyone.

Many  say Chief Ukatu’s burial  will be a celebration of life as he died at the ripe age of 101.

His immediate family also agrees. They are of the opinion that the late monarch’s death actually calls for a celebration for he lived a salutary life, noting, however, that as humans, they feel a  great sense of loss over his departure because,  in their words, “according to the poet, John Donne, “any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind”.

Manny in Alor rue that Chief Ukatu’s death diminishes the community  as they never again will draw from his rich  fountain of wisdom.

A community leader in the town described the late Ukatu in these flowery terms:

“While alive, he was a paramount ruler, a devout Christian philanthropist and detribalized son of Nigeria and Anambra in particular.”

“Surely, those elegant and enriching ideas and principles Ezeofor V11 espoused will sorely be missed, not only by his immediate family, but also by the whole of Alor and beyond, especially those who knew him and tapped from his bank of knowledge. However, to quote Abraham Lincoln, “in the end it is not the years in your life that counts, it is the life in your years”

The late monarch will be buried on Monday, 23rd December 2019 in his compound in Alor after a church service.